MTI(US:MTX) Newsfile·2025-11-04 13:00Core Viewpoint - LaFleur Minerals is advancing its twinned-hole drilling program at the Swanson Gold Deposit to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for restarting gold production at the Beacon Gold Mill, leveraging high gold prices and historical drilling data to enhance economic viability [1][7][17]. Drilling Program Details - The twinned-hole drilling program will consist of 10 holes aimed at collecting data to confirm the economic viability of a potential open-pit operation, targeting areas near historical drill hole locations [2][3]. - Historical drilling data includes over 36,000 meters from 242 drill holes, with significant high-grade intervals such as 69.3 meters at 3.03 g/t Au and 51.0 meters at 3.46 g/t Au [2][9]. Historical Data Validation - The drilling program aims to validate historical drilling conducted by Lac Minerals, Phoenix Matachewan Mines, and Agnico-Eagle Mines, confirming the continuity of high-grade shear zones and improving the mineral resource estimate [3][6]. - The confirmation drilling will also address gaps in the existing resource model, potentially enhancing the estimate of total gold ounces and reducing the strip ratio [3][6]. Strategic Location and Infrastructure - The proximity of the Swanson Gold Deposit to the Beacon Gold Mill, located in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, positions the company favorably within a major gold-producing region [4][19]. - The Beacon Gold Mill, a recently modernized facility capable of processing 750 tonnes per day, is undergoing upgrades and repairs to prepare for recommissioning [13][14]. Economic Potential - The current gold price, hovering around US$4,000 per ounce, significantly enhances the economic appeal of restarting the Beacon Gold Mill, offering strong margins and accelerated payback potential [17]. - The company estimates approximately 10,000-20,000 tonnes of mineralized stockpiles available for initial trial runs, which will help fine-tune operations before full production [15][19]. Market Context - Recent regional mergers and acquisitions indicate that major global producers are entering the Val-d'Or camp to secure long-life, low-risk gold assets, validating the strategic importance of LaFleur's projects [15][19]. - The combination of the Beacon Gold Mill and Swanson Gold Project may be undervalued compared to district pricing precedents established through regional M&A activity [15].